Psychological Factors in Childhood Asthma

Abstract

The influence of the personality of asthmatic children and their mothers on the course of their illness is analysed, taking as a basis a sample of 48 asthmatic children. This is done through the assessment of the role of personality in the change that takes place, after the application of various psychological treatments (relaxation, systematic desensitization and stress inoculation) in three variables: number of days of illness, symptomatic relief drug use and school absences. The results obtained highlight the influence of personality on therapeutic success. Consequently, this study shows the importance of tending to personality traits in order to forecast and improve the effectiveness of psychological treatment.